CN112998726B

CN112998726B - X-ray radiography device and X-ray radiography system

Info

Publication number: CN112998726B
Application number: CN202010503168.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 藤冈德菜; 有坂公孝; 副岛友和
Original assignee: Fujifilm Healthcare Corp
Current assignee: Fujifilm Healthcare Corp
Priority date: 2019-12-20
Filing date: 2020-06-05
Publication date: 2024-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-05
Also published as: CN112998726A; JP2021097809A; JP7030100B2; JP2022068290A

Abstract

The invention provides an X-ray radiography device, which does not need to ensure a large space between a top plate and a bracket part. The X-ray radiography device comprises: a bracket part which is placed on the ground; a support arm portion protruding toward one side surface of the holder portion; a top plate for placing the subject with the protruding direction of the support arm portion as a short side direction and with the direction orthogonal to the short side direction as a long side direction; a support frame supported by the support arm portion and supporting the top plate; an X-ray generator for irradiating the top plate with X-rays; and a support column portion supported by the support frame and supporting the X-ray generator at an upper portion. The support frame has a strut rotation mechanism that is capable of rotating the strut relative to the support frame about an axis parallel to the short-side direction. The pillar portion has: a base portion supported by the column portion rotating mechanism; a pillar body disposed on an upper portion of the base portion; and a sliding mechanism part capable of moving the X-ray generator along the short side direction. The sliding mechanism is disposed at an upper portion of the base.

Description

X-ray radiography device and X-ray radiography system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus for performing fluoroscopic imaging of a subject, and more particularly, to an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus suitable for interventional radiology (Inter-Ventional Radiology: IVR).

Background

In recent years, in IVR that performs an operation while performing X-ray fluoroscopy on a subject, an X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus is widely used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: ERCP) and endoscopic papillary sphincterotomy (endoscopic sphincterotomy: EST).

In IVR using an endoscope, since an operation is performed while the endoscope is moved in a subject to confirm the position thereof, an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus having a structure capable of changing the irradiation position (imaging position) of X-rays on the subject in fluoroscopy is desired.

As an example of a fluoroscopic apparatus capable of changing an imaging position in fluoroscopy, patent documents 1 and 2 disclose a fluoroscopic apparatus including: a bracket part which is arranged on the ground; a support arm portion protruding from one side surface of the bracket portion; a top plate having a short side direction as a protruding direction of the support arm and a long side direction as a direction orthogonal to the short side direction; a support frame supported by the support arm portion to support the top plate; an X-ray generator for irradiating the top plate with X-rays; a support column section supported by the support frame and supporting the X-ray generator; and an X-ray detector disposed in the support frame and detecting X-rays transmitted through the subject.

In the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus disclosed in patent document 1, the fluoroscopic position of the subject can be changed by sliding the top plate together with the support frame in the short-side direction or long-side direction of the top plate, or rotating the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector about an axis parallel to the short-side direction.

In addition, in the X-ray radiography apparatus disclosed in patent document 2, the column section has: a base portion supported so as to be slidable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the support frame; a pillar body fixed to an upper portion of the base portion; and a connecting part for supporting the X-ray generator at the upper end of the pillar body, wherein the base part is provided with a sliding mechanism capable of enabling the pillar part and the X-ray generator to move in the short side direction of the top plate.

[ Prior Art literature ]

[ Patent literature ]

[ Patent document 1] Japanese patent laid-open No. 11-137540

[ Patent document 2] Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2008-136797.

Disclosure of Invention

[ Problem to be solved by the invention ]

However, in the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus described in patent document 1, when the irradiation position of the X-ray is to be changed along the protruding direction of the support arm in the fluoroscopic, the top plate needs to be moved (slid), and a load may be applied to the subject on the top plate. Particularly, in the case of performing IVR, the operation is performed while moving the subject itself, and the load is increased for both the operator and the subject.

On the other hand, it is also conceivable to move the X-ray generator relative to the column portion, but the X-ray generator is very heavy because it is provided with an X-ray tube, a diaphragm blade, or the like inside the X-ray generator. Therefore, in the conventional X-ray radiography apparatus, in a configuration in which only the X-ray generator is slid or rotated with respect to the support position of the column portion, there is a possibility that the apparatus posture becomes unstable when the X-ray generator moves. Particularly, when the X-ray generator is moved in the short side direction of the top plate, it is difficult to move the X-ray generator having a very heavy structure in a direction away from the stand portion fixed to the ground.

In addition, as in the case of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus described in patent document 2, when the base portion itself serving as a support frame for the support column portion has a slide mechanism for moving the X-ray generator in the lateral direction of the top plate, a large space for sliding the support column portion in the lateral direction needs to be secured between the support frame portion and the support frame.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a fluoroscopic apparatus capable of stably performing fluoroscopic imaging without moving a top plate in a state in which an object is placed on the top plate during fluoroscopic imaging, without requiring a large space between the top plate and a holder.

[ Means for solving the problems ]

The X-ray radiography device of the present invention comprises: a bracket part which is placed on the ground; a support arm portion protruding toward one side surface of the bracket portion; a top plate on which the subject is placed, the top plate having a short side direction which is a protruding direction of the support arm and a long side direction which is a direction orthogonal to the short side direction; a support frame supported by the support arm portion and supporting the top plate; an X-ray generator that irradiates X-rays onto the top plate; and a support frame that supports the X-ray generator at an upper portion, the support frame including a rotation mechanism that is capable of rotating the support frame about an axis parallel to a short-side direction, the support frame including: a base portion supported by the rotating mechanism; a pillar body disposed on an upper portion of the base portion; and a slide mechanism capable of moving the X-ray generator in the short side direction. The slide mechanism is disposed above the base portion.

[ Effect of the invention ]

According to the present invention, the X-ray generator can be stably moved in the short-side direction without moving the top plate on which the subject is placed, and an arbitrary position of the subject can be seen through. In addition, the X-ray radiography apparatus of the present invention can make the entire apparatus compact without requiring a large space between the top plate and the stand portion.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a view from above showing the overall structure of the X-ray radiography system SY.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of each mechanism of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1.

Fig. 5 (a) and (B) are partial side views showing an example of the operation of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1.

Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the slide mechanism portion 51 m.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1.

Fig. 8 (a) and (B) are side views showing an example of the operation of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1B.

Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the slide mechanism portion 52 m.

Fig. 10 (a) and (B) are side views illustrating positions before and after movement of the X-ray generator 60, where (a) represents the time of retraction and (B) represents the time of maximum movement in the short-side direction.

Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of each mechanism of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1B.

Fig. 12 (a) and (B) are side views showing an example of the operation of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1C.

Fig. 13 (a) and (B) are partial perspective views showing the structure of the rotation mechanism 53 m.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1C.

Fig. 15 (a) and (B) are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the X-ray detector 70 in the case of oblique fluoroscopy.

Fig. 16 (a) and (B) are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the diaphragm blades 610A and 610B and the X-ray irradiation range.

Fig. 17 (a) and (B) are explanatory views showing the operation of the grid 71 provided on the X-ray detector 70.

In the figure, 1X-ray perspective photographing device, 2 remote operation table, 3 high voltage generator, 4 short distance operation table, 10 support part, 20 support arm part, 30 support frame, 40 top plate, 50 pillar part, 51m, 52m slide mechanism part, 52 pillar main body, 53m rotation mechanism part, 54 compression cylinder, 60X-ray generator, 70X-ray detector, 80 display device, 90 ball support part, 100 perspective photographing chamber, P perspective object, and SY X-ray photographing system.

Detailed Description

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the overall structure of the X-ray radiography system SY of the invention will be described.

As shown in fig. 1, the X-ray radiography system SY includes an X-ray radiography apparatus 1, a high voltage generator 3 for supplying power to the radiography apparatus 1, a display device 80 for displaying a captured image, a remote console 2 for performing a combined operation of these devices, and a proximity console 4. In these apparatuses, the X-ray radiography device 1, the high voltage generator 3, the access console 4, and the display device 80 are disposed in an radiography room 100 in which radiography of the subject P is performed. The remote console 2 includes an operation unit 122, and the operation unit 122 receives various operations of the imaging technician W1 such as instructions to the mechanism for operating the respective parts of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1, and the remote console 2 is provided in the operation room 200 adjacent to the imaging room 100. Alternatively, the operator OP1 may operate the portions of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1 by operating the access console 4 having the same function in the imaging room 100. In this case, it is preferable that the access console 4 has a mechanism for allowing the operator OP1 to perform an operation by a foot pedal or the like while irradiating X-rays.

The imaging room 100 has a structure capable of shielding X-rays generated in the room. Therefore, the imaging technician W1 located in the operation room 200 is not irradiated with the X-rays even when the X-rays are emitted from the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1. A window 200W is provided between the imaging room 100 and the operation room 200, and the imaging technician W1 can monitor the situation in the imaging room 100 from the operation room 200. The window 200w is formed of lead-containing glass or the like so as to be able to shield X-rays from the imaging room 100.

In this imaging system SY, when performing both fluoroscopy and surgery of the subject P, that is, performing a so-called IVR or other surgery, the imaging technician W1 may perform input of X-ray conditions such as the intensity of X-rays or the irradiation interval at the remote console 2 or the operator OP1 may perform the operation near the console 4. The high voltage generator 3 supplies a tube current having a pulse waveform to the fluoroscopic apparatus 1 according to the X-ray condition thereof. The X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1 intermittently irradiates the subject P lying on the top 40 of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1 with X-rays, generates fluoroscopic images of the subject P corresponding to the respective X-rays, and causes the display apparatus 80 to continuously display the fluoroscopic images. The operator OP1 stands around the subject P and performs an operation while looking at the fluoroscopic image displayed on the display device 80. At this time, if necessary, a mechanism of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 described later is operated, and X-rays are irradiated onto an arbitrary position of the subject P to perform fluoroscopy.

< Embodiment 1>

Next, a configuration of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1 provided in the X-ray radiography system SY will be described.

[ Integral Structure ]

As shown in fig. 2, the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 includes: a stand portion 10 placed on the ground; a support arm portion 20 protruding toward one side surface of the holder portion 10; a top plate 40 extending perpendicularly to the direction in which the support arm portion protrudes and carrying the subject P; a support frame 30 supported by the support arm 20 and supporting the top plate 40 from below; an X-ray generator 60 for irradiating X-rays onto the top plate 40; a pillar portion 50 supported by the support frame 30; a tube ball support portion 90 connecting the column portion 50 and the X-ray generator 60 to an upper portion of the column portion 50; and an X-ray detector 70 that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject P.

Hereinafter, a direction in which the support arm portion 20 protrudes from the holder portion 10 (a left-right direction of the subject P) is referred to as a short-side direction of the top 40, and a direction orthogonal to the short-side direction of the top 40 will be described as a long-side direction.

The stand 10 includes a lifting mechanism 221 (hereinafter referred to as an A1 lifting mechanism) therein, and the lifting mechanism 221 can lift the support arm 20, the support frame 30, the top plate 40 supported by the support frame 30, the column 50, the X-ray generator 60, the X-ray detector 70, and the tube ball support 90 in the direction of arrow A1 (see fig. 4). By this mechanism 221, the support frame 30 can be lifted and lowered while maintaining the distance between the X-ray generator 60 and the X-ray detector 70, that is, the distance between the X-ray tube focal point and the imaging plane (SID). Further, since the support frame 30 is configured to be capable of being lifted, the height of the top 40 can be adjusted to a position where the subject P is easily placed on the top 40 or a position where an operator can easily perform work.

The holder 10 includes a top plate turning mechanism 222 (hereinafter referred to as an A2 turning mechanism) capable of turning (arrow A2) the support arm 20 about an axis parallel to the short side direction of the top plate 40 (see fig. 4). With the rotation of the support arm 20 by the mechanism 222, the support frame 30 and the top plate 40 can rotate together with the column portion 50. The rotatable range of the support frame 30 is preferably about ±90° from the horizontal state with respect to the ground, and the total is about 180 °. Since the support arm 20 is configured to be rotatable in this manner, the posture of the subject P on the top 40 can be changed, for example, to stand up or lie down.

The support frame 30 has a slide mechanism 223 (hereinafter referred to as an A3 slide mechanism) inside thereof, and the slide mechanism 223 can move the pillar portion 50 relative to the support arm portion 20 and the support frame 30 in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 40 (the direction of arrow A3) (see fig. 4).

The support frame 30 further includes a detector moving mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a detector sliding mechanism 227) for sliding the X-ray detector 70 in the short side direction (arrow A7 direction) and the long side direction (arrow A8 direction) of the top plate 40 in the inside thereof (see fig. 4). The A3 slide mechanism 223 may be configured to be capable of sliding the X-ray detector 70 in the longitudinal direction instead of the detector moving mechanism 227. In this case, the A3 slide mechanism 223 can slide the column portion 50 and the X-ray detector 70 together, and the position in the longitudinal direction of the X-ray detector 70 and the position in the longitudinal direction of the X-ray generator 60 are always matched.

The support frame 30 includes a strut-portion rotating mechanism 228 (hereinafter referred to as an A9 rotating mechanism) on the bracket portion 10 side, and the strut-portion rotating mechanism 228 is capable of rotating the strut portion 50 about an axis parallel to the short-side direction of the top plate 40. The A9 rotation mechanism 228 is configured to be capable of rotating the pillar portion 50 along a circumferential portion of a semicircular member having an arc on an upper surface thereof, and the semicircular member is arranged so as to be slidable in a longitudinal direction of the top plate 40 by the A3 slide mechanism 223.

These mechanisms 221 to 223, 227, and 228 may be of known structures, and are similar to those provided in a conventional X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted here.

In addition to the 5 mechanisms 221 to 223, 227, 228 described above, the column section 50 of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a slide mechanism section 51m in the short side direction, and the slide mechanism section 51m can move the X-ray generator 60 along the short side direction (arrow A4 direction) of the top plate 40. Details of the structure of the A4 slide mechanism portion 51m will be described later.

The X-ray generator 60 includes an X-ray tube that receives power from the high voltage generator 3 via a cable, not shown, and generates X-rays. The CABLE for supplying power from the high voltage generator 3 to the X-ray generator 60 is preferably a mechanism and arrangement that does not interfere with various operations and fluoroscopy of devices such as a coil or a CABLE beer (registered trademark). The X-ray generator 60 may have an X-ray movable aperture 600 (fig. 3) that limits the irradiation range of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 60, an X-ray filter that selectively transmits X-rays of a specific energy, and the like.

The X-ray detector 70 is disposed inside the support frame 30 so as to face the X-ray generator 60, and is movable in conjunction with the position of the X-ray generator 60 so that the optical axis of the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray generator 60 always passes through the center of the X-ray detector 70. The X-ray Detector 70 can use a combination of an image intensifier and a TV camera, or an X-ray plane Detector (FLAT PANEL Detector: FPD), or the like. In particular, if the X-ray detector is to be arranged in the support frame, a small and lightweight FPD is preferably used.

[ Structure of control System ]

As shown in fig. 3, the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 includes: an image processing unit 116 that performs image processing on the X-ray signal output from the X-ray detector 70; a storage unit 114 for storing various information such as the X-ray image processed by the image processing unit 116; and a device control unit 120 for comprehensively controlling the respective components. The X-ray image processed by the image processing unit 116 is displayed on the display device 80 via the device control unit 120.

The device control unit 120 realizes its functions as software mounted on a CPU or GPU. The functions of part or all of the device control unit 120 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application SPECIFIC INTEGRATED Circuit) and an FPGA (Field Programable GATE ARRAY, field programmable gate array).

The X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1 includes the above-described apparatus control unit 120 and a control unit for controlling the operations of the respective units. Specifically, the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 includes: an X-ray control unit 123 for controlling the X-ray generator 60 and the X-ray movable aperture 600 to adjust the amount of X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 60; and a mechanism control unit 124 for controlling a mechanism for moving each part of the apparatus.

The device control unit 120 is connected to the operation unit 122, and when operation information of the imaging technician W1 or the operator OP1 received by the operation unit 122 is received, an instruction is sent to the mechanism control unit 124 or the like based on the information. As shown in fig. 4, the mechanism control unit 124 includes: an imaging system control unit 6 that adjusts an irradiation position (imaging position) of the X-rays; and a detector control unit 7 for adjusting the position of the X-ray detector 70 according to the imaging position.

The above-described mechanisms, i.e., the A1 elevating mechanism 221, the A2 rotating mechanism 222, the A3 sliding mechanism 223, the A9 rotating mechanism 228, and the sliding mechanism section 51m, are connected to the imaging system control section 6. The imaging system control unit 6 controls the operations of these mechanisms in accordance with the instruction information received by the operation unit 122 to operate the respective parts, and adjusts the imaging position. The detector slide mechanism 227 is connected to the detector control unit 7, and adjusts the position of the X-ray detector 70 in conjunction with the position of the X-ray generator 60.

The operation unit 122 may be provided with a lever or a button for receiving movement conditions of the device, or may be provided with a UI such as a keyboard or a touch panel for receiving movement conditions by inputting numerical values. The imaging technician W1 or the operator OP1 inputs the movement conditions such as the movement direction and the movement amount by the operation unit 122, and can control the operations in the directions of the arrows A1 to A4 and A7 to A9 of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1 under the control of the detector control unit 7. A part or all of the control unit described above may be provided in the imaging room 200.

[ Structure of sliding mechanism section ]

Next, a specific structure of the pillar portion 50, particularly the slide mechanism portion 51m, will be described with reference to fig. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 shows a state in which the exterior of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 is removed for the sake of explanation. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the slide mechanism portion 51m (i.e., viewed from the bracket portion 10 side) as viewed from the arrow Y1 direction of fig. 2.

The column section 50 of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 includes a base section 51 supported by a column section rotation mechanism 228, and a column main body 52 disposed on an upper portion of the base section 51. A compression cylinder 54 for compressing the region of interest of the subject P during imaging is provided on the side surface of the support frame 30 side of the support main 52.

The slide mechanism 51m is disposed on the upper portion of the base portion 51 (specifically, between the upper end portion of the base portion 51 and the lower end portion of the pillar body 52) and slides the pillar body 52 relative to the base portion 51 in the short side direction of the top plate 40. By driving the slide mechanism 51m, the column main body 52 slides, and the X-ray generator 60 can be slid in accordance with the movement thereof.

The slide mechanism 51m may be a known slide mechanism, but in the illustrated example, a rack and pinion mechanism is provided. Specifically, the slide mechanism portion 51m includes a track portion of the rack 500 and the linear guide 501 on the base portion 51 side. The track portions of the rack 500 and the linear guide 501 are arranged parallel to the short side direction of the top plate 40, and the movable range of the X-ray generator 60 is set according to the length of the rack 500. On the other hand, the slide mechanism 51m includes a block portion of the linear guide 501, a driving motor 502, a driving decelerator 503, and a driving pinion 504 engaged with the rack 500 on the strut body 52 side. A pinion 504 is provided at the front end of the output shaft of the speed reducer 503. With such a mechanism, when the motor 502 is driven, the speed reducer 503 transmits the rotation of the motor 502 to the pinion gear 504, and the pinion gear 504 moves in a state of meshing with the rack 500, so that the pillar body 52 can slide in the short side direction (arrow A4 direction) of the top plate 40.

Action

An example of the operation of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to fig. 7 and the like.

Step s1

The photographer W1 operates the operation unit 122 to operate the A1 lifting mechanism 221, and adjusts the height of the support frame 30 so that the subject P is easily placed on the top 40. At this time, as shown in fig. 5 (a), the pillar body 52 is stored in a state of being close to the bracket 10.

Step s2

In this state, the operator OP1 lays the subject P on the top 40.

Step s3

The device control unit 120 determines whether or not the operation unit 122 is operated by the imaging technician W1 to receive an input of an instruction to change the imaging position. When the operation unit 122 receives an input from the imaging technician W1, the operation flow of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1 proceeds to the next step s4.

Step s4

The imaging system control unit 6 controls the operations of the respective mechanisms based on the imaging positions input by the imaging technician W1, and moves the X-ray generator 60 in the long-side direction and the short-side direction of the top 40, and is disposed at the start position of the fluoroscopic imaging. In the case of changing the inclination of the X-ray generator 60 and the support frame 30, this is performed while maintaining the distance (SID) between the X-ray generator 60 and the X-ray detector 70.

Step s5

The device control unit 120 determines whether or not the operation unit 122 has received an instruction input to start the radiographing by the radiographer W1. When the operation unit 122 receives the instruction input to start the fluoroscopic image, the operation flow of the fluoroscopic image apparatus 1 proceeds to the next step s6.

Step s6

X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray generator 60 at predetermined intervals, and fluoroscopy is started. At this time, imaging is performed in a state where the region of interest of the subject P is pressed by the pressing cylinder 54 as necessary. The captured fluoroscopic image is displayed on the display device 80, and the operator performs an operation on the subject P while looking at the fluoroscopic image displayed on the display device 80.

Step s7

The device control unit 120 determines whether or not an instruction to move the imaging position in the short side direction of the top 40 by the imaging technician W1 operating the operation unit 122 is input.

Step s8

In a state where the radiography is continued, the imaging system control unit 6 drives the slide mechanism unit 51m to move the X-ray generator 60 toward the subject P side (arrow A4) in the short side direction of the top 40, as shown in fig. 5B. Specifically, the imaging system control unit 6 transmits a signal to the slide mechanism unit 51m to rotate the motor 502 so as to move the X-ray generator 60 by the instructed movement amount, in response to the instruction received by the device control unit 120. Thus, the pinion 504 moves in a state of meshing with the rack 500, and the X-ray generator 60 moves in the short side direction of the top plate 40.

The detector slide mechanism 227 moves the position of the X-ray detector 70 in the same direction in conjunction with the slide mechanism portion 51 m. Thereby, the optical axis of the irradiated X-rays can be positioned so as to always pass through the center of the X-ray detector 70.

Step s9

The device control unit 120 determines whether or not the imaging technician W1 has operated the operation unit 122 to perform X-ray imaging.

Step s10

The imaging system control unit 6 temporarily stops the movement of the X-ray generator 60 by the slide mechanism unit 51m, and the detector control unit 7 temporarily stops the movement of the X-ray detector 70 by the detector slide mechanism 227. In a state where the X-ray generator 60 is positioned in this way, X-rays are irradiated to take an X-ray image. The X-ray image is displayed on the display device 80. After the end of the radiography, the movement of the X-ray generator 60 and the X-ray detector 70 and the radiography are started again.

Step s11

The device control unit 120 determines whether or not the radiographing is completed to a predetermined position input by the radiographer W1 via the operation unit 122.

Step s12

The fluoroscopic image is ended. When the photographer W1 inputs an instruction to end photographing from the operation unit 122, the X-ray generator 60 stops the irradiation of the X-rays. The driving of the slide mechanism 51m is stopped, and the movement of the X-ray generator 60 in the short side direction of the top plate 40 is stopped.

Step S13

The imaging system control unit 6 adjusts the support frame 30 so that the subject P is at a height at which it is easy to descend from the top 40, and returns the pillar body 52 to the state closest to the stand 10 as shown in fig. 5 (a).

In this way, according to the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 of embodiment 1, radiography of the subject is performed. In the above operation, the operator 122 is operated by the imaging technician W1, but the operator similar to the operator 122 is also provided near the console 4, and the operator OP1 may change the position of the X-ray generator 60.

As described above, in the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1, the slide mechanism 51m can move the X-ray generator in the short side direction of the top plate and can view an arbitrary position of the subject. Therefore, in the fluoroscopy, the top plate does not need to be moved in the protruding direction of the support arm, and the load on the subject can be reduced.

In particular, in the IVR using the X-ray radiography apparatus 1, since the operation can be performed without moving the subject itself along the short side direction of the top plate, the load on the operator and the subject can be significantly reduced.

In the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1, the slide mechanism portion 51m is disposed on the upper portion of the base portion 51 supported by the column portion rotation mechanism of the support frame, and thus, a large space is not required to be ensured for sliding the column portion in the short side direction between the stand portion and the top plate. Thus, the entire apparatus can be made compact.

Further, since the slide mechanism portion 51m of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 can slide together with the column main body directly above the base portion, even an X-ray generator having a very heavy structure can stably slide in the short side direction of the top plate.

In the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1, since the support frame 30 is supported by the support column 50 having the slide mechanism 51m at a position different from that of the support arm 20, it is not necessary to move the support frame 30 together with a mechanism for sliding or rotating the support frame, and a movement mechanism in the short-side direction can be easily configured. In addition, the depth of the device can be made compact as compared with sliding together with the support arm 20.

In the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, since the slide mechanism 51m is provided below the compression tube 54, the X-ray generator 60 and the compression tube 54 are operated in conjunction with each other when the slide mechanism 51m is driven, and the compression position of the compression tube 54 on the subject can be always aligned with the center of the X-ray irradiation range.

< Embodiment 2>

The differences between the X-ray radiography apparatus 1B of embodiment 2 and the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 of embodiment 1 will be described. As shown in fig. 8a, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1B further includes a short-side direction sliding mechanism portion 52m that can slide the X-ray generator 60 in the short-side direction of the top plate 40 (the direction of arrow A5) at a position connecting the upper end of the column main body 52 and the lower end of the tube ball supporting portion 90, in addition to the sliding mechanism portion 51 m.

Structure

The specific configuration of the slide mechanism 52m will be described below with reference to fig. 8 and 9. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the slide mechanism portion 52m (i.e., viewed from the support frame 30 side) as viewed from the arrow Y2 direction of fig. 8 (a).

The slide mechanism 52m may be a known slide mechanism, but in the illustrated example, a rack and pinion mechanism similar to the slide mechanism 51m is provided. Specifically, the slide mechanism portion 52m includes a rack 510 and a rail portion of the linear guide 511 on the strut body 52 side. The rack 510 and the rail portion of the linear guide 511 are arranged parallel to the arrow A5 direction. On the other hand, a pipe ball sliding portion 53 that is movable along the rail of the linear guide 511 is provided on the pipe ball supporting portion 90 side of the sliding mechanism portion 52m, and a block portion of the linear guide 511, a driving motor 512, and a driving pinion 513 are provided on the pipe ball sliding portion 53. The X-ray generator 60 is mounted at the front end of the opposite side of the holder portion 10 with respect to the tube ball support portion 90. Pinion 513 is provided at the tip of tube ball sliding portion 53 via a chain, a speed reducer, or the like.

When the motor 512 rotates, the tube ball sliding portion 53 slides in the arrow A5 direction together with the tube ball supporting portion 90 and the X-ray generator 60 in a state where the rack 510 is engaged with the pinion 513.

In the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1B, the movable range of the X-ray generator 60 in the short side direction with respect to the top plate 40 is based on the sum of the movable ranges of the X-ray generator 60 of the two slide mechanism parts 51m, 52 m. In the case where the length of the top plate 40 in the short side direction is 700mm as shown in fig. 10, for example, the X-ray generator 60 can be moved by 200mm by the slide mechanism portion 51m and 400mm by the slide mechanism portion 52m, and can be moved by 600mm in addition. This allows the X-ray radiation range (i.e., the imaging range) to be moved from one end to the other end of the top 40 in the short-side direction.

In embodiment 2, as shown in fig. 11, the imaging system control unit 6 is connected to the slide mechanism unit 52m in addition to the A1 lifting mechanism 221, the A2 rotation mechanism 222, the A3 slide mechanism 223, the A9 rotation mechanism 228, and the slide mechanism unit 51 m. The detector moving mechanism 227 moves the X-ray detector 70 in conjunction with the sliding operation of the X-ray generator 60 along the short side direction of the top plate 40 by the driving of the sliding mechanism units 51m and 52m, and adjusts the position thereof so that the optical axis of the X-ray always passes through the center of the X-ray detector 70.

In embodiment 2, as the operation unit 122, the operation unit for driving the slide mechanism 51m and the operation unit for driving the slider 52m may be the same or different. When the operation unit for driving the slide mechanism 51m and the operation unit for driving the slider 52m are the same, the slide mechanism 51m is preferably made to perform the sliding operation of the X-ray generator 60 with priority. That is, the substantial movement of the X-ray generator 60 is performed by the column main body 52 and the slide mechanism portion 51m supporting all the heavier structures in the upper portion thereof, and the fine adjustment is preferably performed by the slide mechanism portion 52m supporting the lighter structures.

Action

An example of the operation of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1B according to embodiment 2 will be described below. The operation of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1B is the same as that of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1 shown in fig. 7, and differs only in step s8 when the X-ray generator 60 is moved in the short side direction of the top plate 40. The operation of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1B in step s8 will be described below.

Step s8

As shown in fig. 8B, the imaging system control unit 6 drives the slide mechanism 51m and the slide mechanism 52m to slide the X-ray generator 60 toward the subject P side (arrows A4 and A5) in the short side direction of the top 40 by the movement amount input through the operation unit 122.

As described above, in the X-ray radiography apparatus 1B of embodiment 2, imaging can be performed in a wider range than the X-ray radiography apparatus 1 of embodiment 1, with the dimension in the short side direction of the top plate 40 (depth dimension of the apparatus) suppressed to the same extent as before.

Further, since the slide mechanism portion 52m is provided at the upper end of the column main body 52, the slide mechanism portion 51m can be driven to move the column portion 50 to a position where it does not collide with the subject P, and the slide mechanism portion 52m can move the position of the X-ray generator 60 to the end of the top 40 on the operator side (the end opposite to the holder portion 10) to take an image.

In addition, when photographing the operator side end of the top 40, a compression tube is generally not used. Therefore, the position of the pressing cylinder 54 does not have to be interlocked with the movement of the X-ray generator 60 at the time of driving the slide mechanism 52 m. When the pressing cylinder 54 is to be used for driving the slide mechanism 52m, the position of the X-ray generator 70 is detected by a position sensor or the like, and whether or not the center of the X-ray irradiation range coincides with the center of the subject to be pressed is determined, and only if so, the pressing operation is allowed. When the centers of the two are not coincident, the direction of the shift and the amount of the shift are preferably indicated on the display device 80 and the operation unit 122.

< Embodiment 3>

The X-ray radiography apparatus 1C of embodiment 3 will be described below. As shown in fig. 12, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1C includes a rotation mechanism portion 53m capable of rotating the X-ray generator 60 about an axis R (direction of arrow A6) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the top plate 40 in addition to the slide mechanism portions 51m and 52 m. Thus, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1C can perform oblique insertion in the short-side direction (irradiation of the subject with X-rays from an oblique direction centering on an axis parallel to the body axis of the subject). Fig. 13 (a) and (B) are a view of the rotation mechanism 53m from above and a view of the rotation mechanism 53m from below, respectively.

The specific configuration of the rotation mechanism 53m will be described below.

As shown in fig. 13, the rotation mechanism portion 53m includes: a motor 520; a driving pulley 521 rotated by the rotation of the motor 520; a driven pulley 522 rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the driving pulley 521; a speed reducer 523 that converts the rotation direction of the driven pulley 522 to be orthogonal to the rotation direction of the driving pulley 521; a belt 524 connecting the pulleys 521, 522; the rotation shaft 53s is a shaft parallel to the longitudinal direction of the top plate 40; and a gear 525 engaged with the X-ray generator 60 and rotated about the rotation shaft 53 s.

The X-ray generator 60 has a cylindrical shape and has an axis R parallel to the rotation shaft 53s, and the arc-shaped portion of the gear 525 is fixed to the outer periphery of the X-ray generator 60, and rotates around the axis R as the gear 525 rotates.

Specifically, when the motor 520 rotates, the driving pulley 521 rotates, and the driven pulley 522 rotates in conjunction with the rotation. By the rotation of the driven pulley 522, the gear 525 rotates about the rotation shaft portion 53 s. The X-ray generator 60 rotates in the direction of arrow A6 around the axis R in conjunction with the rotation of the gear 525.

In embodiment 3, as shown in fig. 14, the imaging system control unit 6 is connected to the rotation mechanism unit 53m in addition to the A1 lifting mechanism 221, the A2 rotation mechanism 222, the A3 slide mechanism 223, the A9 rotation mechanism 228, and the slide mechanism units 51m and 52 m. The detector control unit 7 is coupled to the sliding of the sliding mechanism units 51m and 52m with respect to the column unit 50 and the rotation of the rotation mechanism unit 53m with respect to the X-ray generator 60, and adjusts the position of the X-ray detector 70 so that the center of the X-ray always coincides with the center of the X-ray detector 70 according to the moving distance and the rotation angle of the X-ray generator 60.

An example of the operation of the X-ray radiography apparatus 1C according to embodiment 3 will be described below.

The operation of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1C is the same as that of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1 of embodiment 1 shown in fig. 7, and is different from the operation of step s8 in which only the X-ray generator 60 is moved, and therefore, the operation in step s8 is described below.

Step s8

As shown in fig. 12 (B), the imaging system control unit 6 drives the slide mechanism units 51m and 52m and the rotation mechanism unit 53m. The X-ray generator 60 is slid by the sliding mechanism parts 51m and 52m toward the subject side (arrows A4 and A5) in the short side direction of the top 40 by an instructed movement amount, and the X-ray generator 60 is rotated by the rotating mechanism part 53m (arrow A6). Thereby, the X-rays are irradiated obliquely to the subject P.

The X-ray generator 60 is heavy because it includes an X-ray tube, an aperture blade, and the like. Therefore, it is preferable to operate in the order of moving the X-ray generator 60 in the directions of the arrows A4 and A5 by the slide mechanism parts 51m and 52m and then rotating the X-ray generator in the direction of the arrow A6 by the rotating mechanism part 53 m.

When the X-ray generator 60 is rotated in this way and a perspective view (hereinafter referred to as a tilt-in perspective view) is performed, the incident position of the X-rays is deviated from the center of the X-ray detector 70 as shown in fig. 15 a. The device control unit 120 calculates the amount of deviation, and slides the X-ray detector 70 in the A7 direction by the detector slide mechanism 227. Thus, the oblique fluoroscopy can be performed in a state where the X-ray incidence position (imaging point) coincides with the center of the X-ray detector 70.

In addition, as described above, the X-ray generator 60 has a very heavy structure, but in the X-ray radiography apparatus 1C, since the rotation mechanism portion 53m is provided on the tube ball support portion 90 at the upper end of the column main body 52, the X-ray generator 60 can be rotated stably as compared with the case where the X-ray generator 60 is rotated together with the column main body 52 to perform oblique radiography.

Next, control or adjustment of the device control unit 120 performed in association with the ramping will be described. Examples of the control performed by the device control unit 120 include control of the amount of X-rays, adjustment of the intensity of X-rays, adjustment of the aperture blades, and adjustment of the grid. The device control unit 120 preferably performs one or more of the above operations at the time of oblique fluoroscopy.

[ Control of X-ray quantity ]

First, control of the amount of X-rays will be described.

In the case of oblique fluoroscopy, the distance (imaging distance) between the X-ray generator 60 and the subject changes during fluoroscopy. As a result, even if the amount of X-rays emitted is the same, the intensity of X-rays received by the subject P may vary, and thus there may be a case where density unevenness occurs in each imaging portion of the transmission image. The device control unit 120 calculates the intensity of X-rays received by the subject by the following expression (1). The X-ray control unit 123 controls the output of the high voltage generator 3 so that the X-ray intensity received by the subject is the same at any imaging timing. Thus, a fluoroscopic image in which density unevenness of the image is suppressed can be obtained.

[ Number 1]

X-ray intensity= (tube voltage) ² × (tube current) × (irradiation time)/(imaging distance) ² … (1)

As a method of measuring the imaging distance, for example, a method of measuring the tilt angle θ of the X-ray generator 60 by the imaging system control unit 6 and calculating the imaging distance from the angle θ as needed, a method of fixing a distance sensor to the X-ray movable diaphragm 600 or the like and actually measuring the imaging distance by the distance sensor, and the like can be used.

[ Adjustment of X-ray intensity in image processing ]

Next, adjustment of the X-ray intensity by image processing will be described.

In the oblique fluoroscopy, since the X-rays are emitted radially from the X-ray generator 60, the intensity of the X-rays irradiated at the same timing is different depending on the position of each subject P. For example, as shown in fig. 15 (B), when performing oblique fluoroscopy at an oblique angle θ, the X-ray intensity differs between an end T1 on the operator OP1 side and an end T2 on the opposite side of the X-ray incident on the subject P because the imaging distances D1 and D2 differ. The larger the oblique angle, the larger the X-ray intensity difference.

The device control unit 120 calculates the intensity of X-rays received by the subject using the above formula (1) for each incident position of the radial X-rays on the subject. The image processing unit 116 can create a fluoroscopic image free from density unevenness by correcting the fluoroscopic image captured at a certain timing based on the X-ray intensities received at the respective portions of the subject at the certain timing.

[ Adjustment of aperture blade ]

Next, adjustment of the ring blade will be described.

In embodiment 3, as shown in fig. 16 a, a plurality of diaphragm blades (hereinafter referred to as non-interlocking diaphragm blades) 610A and 610B, which can be opened and closed independently with different opening widths, are preferably provided in the X-ray movable diaphragm 600. Since the X-rays are emitted radially, even if the X-rays spread to substantially the same width (l1=l1) on the operator OP1 side and the opposite side immediately after the emission during oblique fluoroscopy, the widths (image receiving areas) r1 and r2 when the X-rays are irradiated to the X-ray detector 70 may be different in size (here, r1 < r 2). The larger the oblique-in angle, the larger the difference of the image receiving areas r1, r 2.

Therefore, when X-rays are emitted with the diaphragm blades 610A and 610B interlocked, X-rays are irradiated to a range wider than the sensitive area of the X-ray detector 70 when the image receiving area of the detector 70 is maximized, and unnecessary radiation is generated to the subject and the operator (fig. 16 (a)). Therefore, as shown in fig. 16 (B), by making the diaphragm blades 610A and 610B non-interlocked, the difference between the irradiation areas on both sides is calculated and corrected based on the rotation angle of the X-ray generator 60, and unnecessary radiation can be prevented from being applied to the subject and the operator in the state where the image receiving area is maximized. In this figure, unnecessary radiation can be prevented by narrowing the width of the aperture blade 610B on the side of the image receiving region beyond the sensitive region of the X-ray detector 70 (i.e., L1 > L2).

[ Adjusting grid ]

Next, adjustment of the grid will be described.

As shown in fig. 17 (a), a grid 71 for removing scattered radiation may be disposed in the X-ray detector 70. As the grid 71, a parallel grid, a focusing grid, a crossing grid, or the like may be used. When the grid 71 is disposed, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 60 may be obliquely incident on the X-ray detector 70 and removed by the grid 71 so as not to reach the X-ray detector 70, depending on the rotation angle of the X-ray generator 60 at the time of the incident imaging. When the grid 71 is a parallel grid, as shown in fig. 17 (B), the grid 71 or the grid 71 and the X-ray detector 70 are rotated in accordance with the rotation angle of the X-ray generator 60 at the time of the shooting, whereby a clear image free from the influence of scattered rays can be provided. Further, the image correction process for removing the influence of scattered radiation from the photographed image may be performed without disposing the grid 71 (without the grid).

As described above, according to the X-ray radiography apparatus 1C of embodiment 3, the X-ray generator can be moved in the short side direction of the top plate and can be tilted about the axis R orthogonal to the short side direction, so that the irradiation position and irradiation angle of the X-rays can be changed without moving the subject during radiography.

For example, even when the organs of the subject to be imaged overlap, the body of the subject under anesthesia can be tilted with respect to the X-ray tube ball by the medical practitioner as in the prior art, and imaging while avoiding overlapping of the organs is not required. In the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1C, even in such a case, X-ray fluoroscopic can be performed at an appropriate angle without touching the subject.

Further, the X-ray generator 60 is preferably controlled so that the X-rays do not radiate toward the operator or so that the X-rays do not radiate toward the operator (for example, the X-rays can be rotated by an angle of ±15 degrees), thereby preventing unnecessary radiation from the operator.

Embodiments 1 to 3 described above can be combined within a range not contradictory in technology and are included in the present invention. For example, the slide mechanism 52m and the rotation mechanism 53m may be mounted independently on the X-ray radiography apparatus, or the slide mechanism 51m and the rotation mechanism 53m, or the slide mechanism 52m and the rotation mechanism 53m may be mounted.

Claims

1. An X-ray radiography apparatus comprising:

a top plate on which a subject is placed;

An X-ray generator that irradiates X-rays onto the top plate;

a tube ball support portion that supports the X-ray generator;

A pillar portion supporting the pipe ball supporting portion, and

A rotation mechanism capable of rotating the pillar portion about an axis parallel to a short side direction of the top plate,

The pillar portion has: a pillar body disposed on an upper portion of the rotation mechanism; and a first slide mechanism and a second slide mechanism capable of moving the X-ray generator in the short side direction,

The first slide mechanism is disposed between one end of the strut body in the longitudinal direction and the rotation mechanism,

The second slide mechanism is disposed between the other end of the pillar body in the longitudinal direction and the pipe ball support portion.

2. The X-ray radiography apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that,

Comprises a bracket part which is placed on the ground,

The rotating mechanism is arranged between the bracket part and the top plate,

The first slide mechanism is disposed above the top plate.

3. The X-ray radiography apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

The main body of the support column is provided with a compression cylinder at the top plate side for compressing the photographing part of the object,

The first slide mechanism is provided at a lower portion than the pressing cylinder.

4. The X-ray radiography apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

Further comprising a mechanism control section that controls the first slide mechanism and the second slide mechanism,

The mechanism control unit drives the second slide mechanism to perform fine adjustment of a position finer than adjustment of a position of the X-ray generator driven by the first slide mechanism.

5. The X-ray radiography apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

The tube ball support portion has a second rotation mechanism capable of rotating the X-ray generator about an axis along the longitudinal direction of the top plate.

6. The X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

An X-ray detector that detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator; and

A detector moving mechanism capable of moving the X-ray detector,

The detector moving mechanism moves the X-ray detector in conjunction with the movement of the X-ray generator.

7. The X-ray radiography apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that,

The detector moving mechanism moves the X-ray detector so that the center of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator coincides with the center of the X-ray detector.

8. The X-ray radiography apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that,

Further comprises an X-ray control unit for controlling the emission state of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator,

The X-ray control unit controls the amount of X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator according to the rotation angle of the X-ray generator.

9. The X-ray fluoroscopy device of claim 5, further comprising:

an X-ray control unit that controls the emission state of X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator; and

The distance between the first and second electrodes is measured by a distance sensor,

The X-ray control unit controls the amount of X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator based on the distance from the X-ray generator to the subject measured by the distance sensor.

10. The X-ray radiography apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that,

Further comprising a plurality of X-ray diaphragm blades that limit an irradiation range of X-rays irradiated to the subject,

The plurality of X-ray diaphragm blades change the respective positions according to the rotation angle of the X-ray generator, thereby changing the irradiation area of the X-rays.